Acknowledgements - gapitc

“B” is for Blake
Write the first letter of your child’s name in large print on an index card.
Use this letter to help your child find “his letter” as he looks through his favorite
books.
Take the letter with you to the grocery story and see if your child can find labels
with his letter in them.
Look through colorful newspaper ads to find words that start with it too.
Share your child’s excitement when he “reads” his letter to you.
Visit the public library and find the children’s book section. Ask the children’s librarian
to help you find books appropriate for your child’s age and interests. Check to see if
there is a “story time” you and your child can attend.
When you find a book that your child enjoys, be prepared to read it over and over
again.
Read to your child every day. Sit where your child can see the pictures and ask her
what she thinks the story is about by looking at the illustrations.
Let your child “read” with you by filling in familiar or predictable words. Make a “mistake”
sometimes in a familiar story, such as calling a character by a silly name, and let
your child correct you. Be prepared to read a portion of a new story at first and then
try to read more the next time if your child’s interest grows.
Tell stories to your child instead of reading sometimes.
Encourage your child to use his imagination to make up stories.
Have lots of books available for your child to “read.” Choose sturdy books with large,
colorful pictures and a story that is easy to follow. Choose topics that your child finds
interesting. Look for books about people of different cultures and abilities.
Sing rhyming songs with your child.
Read books with rhyming verses and make up silly rhymes with your child.
Set an example by letting your child see you enjoy reading.
Use books as a resource to find answers to questions your child asks.
Make “reading together” an enjoyable experience for both you and your child. Use
“reading together” as a reward.
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